Showing a heart for Jesus

HESPERIA • Corazon De Jesus's name truly captures her essence: The 25-year-old from Hesperia has a heart for Jesus.

So it was no surprise that she would join a contingent of youth from Holy Family Catholic Church to the once-every-three-years World Youth Day, which in 2008 was held in Sydney, Australia.

"We met people from Europe, Mexico, you name it," De Jesus said. "Everyone brought flags. It was really cool. It's one of those things you have to experience."

Times have been tough since then, however, and the group of about 15 is working diligently to raise the $3,000 per person to attend the next event in Madrid, Spain. So, at her mother's suggestion, De Jesus entered a contest sponsored by the Diocese of San Bernardino to design a T-shirt for San Bernardino-area participants. The award: The diocese would pay the cost of the trip.

"Just do it," her mother urged her.

"It's worth a shot," the self-taught artist answered.

Without much available time, she designed the shirt in Photoshop and submitted her entry. Weeks later she received a call. She had won.

"What? Really? Sweet!" she told the diocese representative on the phone.

De Jesus formally received the award from Bishop Gerald Richard Barnes during an event a few weeks ago in Indian Wells.

"Being a Catholic means just having so much respect and love for people. It's about treating people right and having strong morals. It's kind of a cultural thing too.

"Going to church is like me saying, 'Thank you (to God),' " she said. "God is like the ultimate parent. God has given me so much in my life. I want to share my appreciation and show that love back."